Every student feels the nerves that come with starting a new
job. Transitioning from the classroom to the office is always a
significant adjustment. Prior to the start of summer orientation
week, our Student Director, Ashley Faust, made sure we were
well-prepared to commence our journey with McCague Borlack. We are
lucky to have Ashley as a mentor as she was not only a summer and
articling student at MB, but she is the lead lawyer on a number of
files, enabling her to share all of her experiences with us eager
students.
My fellow summer students and I received a detailed orientation schedule outlining the activities for the weeks ahead.
This schedule was so helpful to ensure we were prepared for the
start of the summer term, which greatly eased the stress from the
start. It made day one so much easier for us to navigate and gave
us many exciting things to look forward to. It also provided our
first glance inside the firm's multifaceted practice
areas.
Every day of orientation was filled with plenty of insightful
presentations, seminars and activities. We were given the
opportunity to learn from many of the firm's amazing lawyers
about their practice. This allowed us to have a variety of insights
into the different ways each person would tailor their files based
on their personal preferences. While the program prepared us for
the work that we had to look forward to, it was also a great way to
get to know the incredible people that make up the firm's
staff. Everyone gave us plenty of time to ask questions about
anything that we could think of and made us feel so welcome.
Despite the focus being on preparing us for the substantive work
that makes up much of the summer, we were given plenty of fun
breaks to ensure that we could stay energized for the next
activity. Some of the fun activities included playing Scattergories
and participating in the annual student Brownie Baking Bonanza
(which turned out to be the best brownie recipe I have ever
tried!). This week was an amazing way to get to know the other
students, especially those I am now in the Ottawa office with every
day.
With the summer program having just kicked off fully, the
orientation experience was so helpful in preparing me for the start
of the work period. Not only did it give us a great overview of the
summer term ahead, but it also ensured that we were able to
seamlessly transition into being in the office every day. Even
though I took notes and paid attention during orientation (with the
help of a few coffees), there was still so much to learn/re-learn
once we got started officially. But everyone at the firm is so
helpful in teaching you the best practices, tips and tricks to help
you succeed. Now, I wonder why I was ever worried at all.
To any future summer students reading this: even if you feel like
you know nothing, someone will always be willing to help. I have
learned so much from asking questions and doing my own exploration
of the firm's systems. While I know that I still have a long
way to go before I am comfortable, I am confident anyone I ask will
happily jump in to help. The firm culture is truly special in terms
of the willingness to support the summer students with all our
needs. We know that we will make mistakes, but this is part of the
experience. We will be better for it by the end of the summer.
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